Signal No. 1 still up due to ‘Mirasol’

Metro Manila, Philippines - Signal No. 1 remains in effect in several areas in Luzon on Thursday morning, Sept. 18, due to Tropical Depression Mirasol.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of minimal to minor impacts from strong winds in areas under Signal No. 1, namely:

+ Batanes

+ Babuyan Islands

+ the western portion of mainland Cagayan

+ Apayao

+ the northern portion of Abra

+ Ilocos Norte

+ the northern portion of Ilocos Sur

“Mirasol” was last seen 165 kilometers (km) west of Calayan, Cagayan, with maximum sustained winds of 55 km per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

PAGASA said “Mirasol” is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday morning or afternoon.

However, the southwest monsoon, or habagat, will bring strong to gale-force gusts over La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Tarlac, Pampanga, Benguet, Mimaropa, Quezon, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas.

TD Nando

Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Nando is less likely to directly affect the country’s weather conditions in the next 48 hours, according to PAGASA.

But authorities warned that the highest wind signal that may be raised next week is Signal No. 5, as PAGASA’s forecast showed “Nando” has potential to reach super typhoon category.

As of early Thursday morning, “Nando” was spotted 1,225 km east of southeastern Luzon, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

“Nando” is seen to move towards extreme northern Luzon.